James Marcus Queen

James Marcus Queen went to Glory on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at his home with his family surrounding him.  He was born in North Carolina on July 28, 1937.  His family moved to the northside of Chicago in 1942.  

Jim graduated from North Park Academy, Missouri Valley College and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.  He leaves behind his wife of 58 years, Karen Gustafson Queen, children Robin, Timothy, Kristen and Benjamin and eight grandchildren Cody, Aximia, Bailey, James, Kenya, Tyler, Jenna and Emma.

Jim was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1960 and then shortly after he was drafted into the United States Army where he serve until 1962.  He was the Community Outreach Director at the Northshore Baptist Church and then founded the Intercity Athletic Mission in 1965.  He received the Governor's Youth Award in 1971.

He entered the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1972 and in 1975 received a Masters of  Divinity.  In January of 1976, Karen and Jim moved back to Chicago as Southern Baptist Home Missionaries to plant a church in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood.

Jim founded the Uptown Baptist Church where he served as pastor from 1976 to 1993.  He served as the Executive Director of the Chicago Metropolitan Baptist Association until 2003 when he retired after medical complications.  Jim was able to enjoy his family and friends for many years in retirement.

The service for Pastor Queen will be Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Calvary Memorial Church, 931 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL.  Visitation is from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The service will start at 1:30 p.m. with a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be given to bless and support Jim's family as they walk through this season.

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